Plenary Lecture

Multi-Channel Convolution for Room Acoustics Auralization

Professor Lamberto Tronchin
Chair of the Musical Acoustics Group of
the Italian Association of Acoustics
DIENCA - CIARM,
University of Bologna,
ITALY
E-mail: tronchin@ciarm.ing.unibo.it
Web site: www.ciarm.ing.unibo.it

Abstract: The application of multi-channel convolution algorithms for room acoustics auralisation is actually considered the most suitable technique for correctly reproducing the sound characteristics of a room. The initial simple convolution from a dry signal with a mono impulse response moved to a binaural convolution and therefore to a more complex system. On the other hand, the new technology has allowed the definition of a new set of physical parameters that could be able to correctly describe the sound characteristics of the room. During this lecture, the results of a world-wide campaign of acoustic measurement of impulse responses in different special theatres and auditoria are presented. Moreover, after an overview on the most common techniques utilised for 3D auralization, an innovative procedure of measuring and reproducing spatial sound characteristics is presented. The application of this new technique in virtual 3D sound reconstruction is presented. Furthermore, the methodology is compared with other techniques of 3D sound reproduction. The possibility to enhance the spatial reproduction of sound quality in real spaces and the comprehensibility of spatial parameters is finally considered and presented in different cases.